WO1996008001A1 - An improved illuminated sign - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved illuminated sign (10) that includes a composite lamp structure (12) consisting of a base material (14) and an electroluminescent lamp (16). The composite lamp structure (12) is disclosed in five design configurations that allow the electroluminescent lamp (16) to be assembled, attached and viewed against customized indicia. The lamp (16) is preferably housed in a flexible protective lamp holder (102). The holder (102) may be attached to a pouch (140) that contains a 9-volt battery (58) and an a-c power circuit means (52) such as an inverter (53). From the pouch (140), the wiring from the inverter (53) is connected directly to the lamp (16) and to a power switch (66) that controls the operation of the sign. The assembled sign (10) which includes the holder (102) and pouch (140) is easily attached to various upper and lower body garments or a myriad of rigid structures.

Description

AN IMPROVED ILLUMINATED SIGN

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the general field of illuminated signs and more particularly to an improved illuminated sign that employs an electroluminescent lamp located within a packaging design that oan be attached to various lower and upper body garments and other resilient and hard surfaces.

BACKGROUND ART

Illuminated signs have been used for many years and have found high acceptability in both novelty and commercial applications. In general, the prior art has disclosed several designs for an illuminated display panel consisting of two or more stacked panels and a power source.

The panel that interfaces with the attaching surface is generally smooth to allow easier attachment to the attaching surface. The outer panel has a plurality of bores into which is inserted and retained an equal number of light-emitting diodes (LEDβ) and in some cases incandescent bulbs. The center panel normally contains the electrical wire routing and any control circuits that are required to operate the panel. The assembled display panel is powered by a battery that may be located on the panel itself or located externally and connected to the panel by means of an electrical cable. An on-off switch is often provided to control the application of the battery powe .

The LEDs or incandescent bulbs used in the prior art must, because of their mounting configuration, protrude from the surface of the display panel. This protrusion can result in a breakage of one or more of the lights if care is not taken in storing and/or using the article with the attached panel. Additionally, the displayed design provided by the LEDs is limited to a series of discontinuous points arranged to define a letter or a curve. Thus, certain complex displays that require σontinuouβ sections for ultimate aesthetics cannot be formed as can be easily accomplished with the instant invention.

The use of luminescent panels are also disclosed in the prior art and have been used by the Applicants in their prior U.S. patent 4,999,936 to produce luminescent signs that are used on clothing and caps to display various indicia. However, the structure of the luminescent lamp and the lamp holders were found to be too limiting and rigid for most applica ions.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims and the extended utility offered by the instant invention however, the following U.S. patents were considered related:

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED

4,999,936 Calamia, et al 19 March 1991

4,924,362 Janko, et al θ May 1990

4,709,307 Brandon 24 November 1987

4,645,970 Murphy 24 February 1987

4,637,148 Barlow . 20 January 1987

4,570,206 DeutBch 11 February 1986

4,231,079 Heminover 28 October 1980 The 4,997,936 patent issued to Calamia, who is also one of the applicants of the instant patent application, discloses an illuminated sign that produces a luminescent display that is attached to an article of clothing such as a jacket or cap. The sign consists of an electroluminescent lamp that produces a luminescent light that is visible through the openings of an indicia stencil affixed to the front of the lamp. The lamp iβ encapsulated in a film and is further enclosed in a protective lamp holder having an opening into which is inserted the stencil. The sign is powered by a battery that supplies power to an inverter that produces an output of 140-volts at 400 Hz. The power is applied directly to the input of the electroluminescent lamp and is controlled by a power βwitoh.

The 4,924,360 Janko et al patent discloses an article of wearing apparel that includes an electrically conductive harness mounted on the outer surface of the garment. The harness includes a housing which encloses a light emitting diode (LED) connected to a pair of electrical conductors mounted in an elongated strip. An electrical power source and an on/off switch is mounted in a waterproof housing and receives one end of the electrical conductors to connect the LED to the battery. A plurality of harnesses may be mounted on the article of wearing apparel and interconnected by a waterproof connector which connects the electrical conductors in each harness together.

The 4,709,307 patent issued to Brandon discloses an illuminated article of clothing that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to achieve the ornamental lighting pattern. The LEDs are mounted on a printed wiring board that comprises one element of a five element structure that is attached to the article of clothing. A battery is provided for illuminating the LEDs as is a control circuit for controlling the energization of the LEDs. A cable, hidden within the article of clothing, is used to electrically connect the battery power to the LEDs.

The 4,645,970 patent issued to Murphy discloses a decorative panel assembly that includes illuminated designs in registry with at least one transparent area in one of two panels. Illumination of the design is made with a thin, composite electroluminescent lighting assembly which avoids lamination problems between the supporting panels. Electrical connections are made through an electrically conductive coating on onp of the panels. The 4,637,148 Barlow patent discloses a transparent overlay which is back lit using an electroluminescent panel. The panel is energized, either continuously or intermittently, by a battery operated electronic inverter which includes a flasher circuit. The entire assembly including the battery is housed in α lightweight plastic case, which has a fastener on the back for fastening to the wearer.

The 4,570,206 patent issued to Deutsch discloses an article of clothing that includes a flexible panel having a plurality of holes selected to form a pattern. Through the plurality of holes projects a similar plurality of electrically illuminable members such as LEDs. The LEDs are connected through a flexible cable to an electrical power source consisting of a battery and complimentary control circuits.

The 4,231,079 patent issued to Heminover discloses a hat assembly having a plurality of perforations located over the upper portion of the hat. Into the perforations is inserted an equal plurality of LEDs that project through the perforations for viewing. A power and control circuit is included to energize the LEDs sequentially at rate to optically simulate motion.

For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention relates, referenoe may be made to the following remaining patents found in the search :

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 5,016,145 Singleton 14 May 1991

4,775,964 Aleβsio 4 October 1988

4,767,679 Kawachi 30 August 1986

4,725,761 Sσhroeder et al 16 February 1988

4,633,141 Weber 30 December 1966

4,603,065 Mori, et al 29 July 1986

4,494,326 Kanamori 22 January 1985

4,466,208 Logan, Jr et al 21 August 1984

4,442,136 Johnson 10 April 1984

4,420,898 Moses 20 December 1983

4,365,184 Higton et al 21 December 1982

4,211,813 Graviββe et al 8 July 1980

4,195,431 Neufeld 1 April 1980

4,104,555 Fleming 1 August 1978

3,680,237 Finnerty, Sr. 1 August 1972

3,404,474 Johnβon 21 June 1968

3,317,722 Whitney 2 May 1967 3,161,974 Blockson 22 December 1964 3,153,745 Gurian 20 October 1964 3,110,837 Wollentin 12 November 1963 3,104,339 Koury 17 September 1963 3,083,317 Fish, et al 26 March 1963 3,007,070 Cargill, Jr. 31 October 1961 2,793,451 Goldsholl 28 May 1957 2,721,808 Roberts,, et al 25 October 1955 269,681 King 26 December 1882 2 230 638 (U.K. ) Kioher 24 October 1990

0 166 534 ⁽EUROPEAN) Burrows 02 January 1986 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The improved illuminated sign is designed to have a versatility that allows it to be attached to various articles of clothing and to a myriad of resilient and rigid structures. In its most basic form, the illuminated sign is comprised of:

A. A composite lamp structure comprising:

(1) a base material, and

(2) at least one electroluminescent lamp that is placed on one side of the base material , and

B. a power βupply that is connected to at least one electroluminescent lamp, whereupon when power is applied, the luminescent lamps illuminate.

The composite lamp structure is disclosed in five design configurations: The first design utilizes an electroluminescent lamp over which is placed an indicia stencil. In the second design, two or more lamps are electrically interconnected by a pair of wires and are then placed over the base material. In the third design, a plurality of electroluminescent lamps are cut into stylistic shapes i.e., letters, numbers, logoβ, etc. On the rear side of these lamps extends a pair of electrodes that are sized to fit into a pair of electrically conductive channels located on the surface of the base material. The fourth design, utilizes at least two electroluminescent lamps that are cut into stylistic shapes and electrically interconnected by a pair of electrical wires. The lamps are then attached to the surface of the base material. In the fifth and final deεign, the base material has a stylistic shape and is printed directly onto the surface of an electroluminescent lamp to function as a reverse stencil. The composite lamp structure can be directly attached to a sign mounting structure by means of hook and loop fasteners or double-βtiσk tape. However, before attachment, it is preferred that the composite lamp structure be inserted into a flexible protective lamp holder. The holder protects the lamp from scratches and provides additional structural integrity to the composite lamp structure and especially those structures that function with intricate and more fragile electroluminescent lamp designs. If the sign mounting surface is cloth or the like, the back section of the holder is typically sewn; if the mounting surface consists of a hard surface, an adhesive or a double-sided tape may be used. If all of the above composite lamp structures the electroluminescent panel is powered by a power supply that delivers an a-c voltage. The power supply consists of an a-c power circuit means such as an inverter; an oscillator that drives an autotransformer; or some other electrical device that produces an a-c voltage. In all cases, the a-c power circuit .means is powered by a 9-volt transistor battery or if portability is not a requirement, the power can be supplied through a cable that is connected to a vehicle cigarette lighter which is connected to the vehicle battery.

In one packaging design, the illuminated sign utilizes a pouch that is sized to accommodate the battery and the a-c power circuit means i.e., the inverter, which are inserted into the pouch through a side or top opening. The opening also allows the electrical wiring from the battery and the inverter to be routed to the respective attached lamp and a power switch. The power switch functions to control the application of the power to the electroluminescent lamp. 01 8 PCI7US94/10123

In a typical mounting scheme, the protective lamp holder, is sewn directly to the front section of a cap.

The pouch with the battery and inverter is attached by sewing the pouch's upper edge to the upper front inside panel of the cap. The wires from the inverter are then attached to the lamp through an opening in the cap and the wires to the power switch are likewise attached.

The switch is glued to an inside edge of the cap where it can be easily grasped to turn the switch ON or OFF. In another mounting scheme suitable for outdoor hard surfaces, the composite lamp structure or the protective lamp holder is waterproofed, and is applied a double-stick tape to its back side. The other side of the tape is then pressed against the hard surface to hold the lamp in place.

In view of the above disclosure, it is the primary object of the invention to provide an improved illuminated sign that utilizes an electroluminescent lamp and that can be easily attached to various resilient and hard surfaces.

In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide a sign that: o operates with a smaller, more reliable power source, then ueed in the Applicant's prior patented design, o because of the inverters compact design it can be made moisture proof by placing a shrink wrap around it and it can be used to produce smaller illuminated signs that can be attached to smaller structures, o is amenable for use on both originally manufactured structures or structures can be easily retrofitted to accept the sign, o can have the electroluminescent lamp encloβed in a moisture proof protective lamp holder before being attached to a surface by means of double stick tape, and o is cost-effective from both a manufacturing and consumer's point of view. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a composite lamp structure consisting of an electroluminescent lamp over which is plaoed a base material having a contrasting color and having at leaβt one cutout from where the light from the luminescent panel can be seen.

FIGURE 2 is a elevational view of the composite lamp structure of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a composite lamp structure consisting of two electroluminescent lamps that are electrically interconnected and placed on top of α base material having a contrasting color which allows the electroluminescent lamps to be easily seen.

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the composite lamp structure of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of a composite lamp structure consisting of a base material having a pair of electrically conductive channels; and at least one electroluminescent lamp having a rear side from where a pair of electrodes extend that are sized and spaced to be attached and held within the respective channels.

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of the composite lamp structure of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is a plan view of a composite lamp structure consisting of at least two separate electroluminescent lamps that are electrically interconnected by a pair of wires and that are attached to a base material made in a contrasting color.

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of the composite lamp structure of FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 is a plan view of a composite lamp structure consisting of α baβe material having a stylistic shape and that is printed directly onto the luminescent surface of an electroluminescent lamp. FIGURE 10 is an elevational view of the composite lamp structure of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is a block diagram of a generic power supply that supplies power to the electroluminescent lamp of the composite lamp structure.

FIGURE 12 is a block diagram of a power supply that operates with a d-σ power source that supplies power to a solid-state oscillator that drives an autotransformer from where the power is applied to an electroluminescent lamp.

FIGURE 13 is a block diagram of a d-σ power source that utilizeβ the vehicle battery via the cigarette lighter receptacle to supply the d-σ power required by the a-c power circuit means. FIGURE 14 is a block diagram of a power supply that utilizes the 120 volt a-c utility power directly, via a switch, to supply the a-c power required to energize the electroluminescent lamp.

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view showing the battery and inverter enclosed within a pouch having a pair of attachment straps.

FIGURE 16 is a front elevational view of the protective lamp holder.

FIGURE 17 is a side sectional view of the protective lamp holder taken along the lines 17-17 of FIGURE 16.

FIGURE 18 is a partial cut-away elevational view of a housing that encloses the battery and the inverter and that includes a sliding panel that allows the battery to be removed and replaced.

FIGURE 19 is a side elevational view of the housing shown in FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of α cap that has attached an electroluminescent lamp enclosed within α protective lamp holder and a pouch that contains the power supply. FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of a life vest that has attached an electroluminescent lamp enclosed with a protective lamp holder and electroluminescent strips attached by means of double-stick tape. FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of a backpack that has attached an electroluminescent lamp enclosed within a protective lamp holder.

FIGURE 23 is a perspective view of a fanny pack that may have either an electroluminescent lamp enclosed within a protective lamp holder or electroluminescent section attached by means of double-stick tape.

FIGURE 24 is a elevational front view of a typical store front sign having an electroluminescent lamp enclosed within a protective lamp holder and attached by means of suction cups.

FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of a rigid structure such as a boat slip that has attached a water proof electroluminescent lamp enclosed with a protective lamp holder.

FIGURE 26 iβ a perspective view of a typical helmet such as worn by motorcyclists that haβ an electroluminescent lamp attached by means of double-stick tape. FIGURE 27 is a perspective view of a running βhoe having strips of electroluminescent lamp attached by means of double-stick tape.

FIGURE 28 iβ a perspective view of a belt that has attached a strip of an electroluminescent lamp attached by means of double-stick tape.

FIGURE 29 is a perspective view of a dog collar and leach that have attached strips of an electroluminescent lamp attached by means of double-stick tape. FIGURE 30 is a perspective view of a bicycle seat that has attached a strip of an electroluminescent lamp attached by means of double-stick tape.

FIGURE 31 iβ a perspective view of a vehiσle roadside sign constructed of an electroluminescent lamp enclosed within a protective lamp cover and powered by means of the vehicle cigarette lighter.

FIGURE 32 iβ a perspective view of a tent and similar structures that has attached an electroluminescent sign enclosed within a waterproof protective lamp cover.

FIGURE 33 is an elevational side view of an umbrella having attached to its handle strips of electroluminescent lamp affixed by means of double-stick tape.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the improved illuminated sign 10 is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment designed to provide a bright luminescent light that is contrasted against customized indicia. The sign is designed to be attached to various articles of clothing, resilient and rigid structure and can be used indoors or outdoors.

The preferred embodiment of the improved illuminated sign 10 is comprised of the following major elements: a composite lamp structure 12 that consists of a base material 14 and an electroluminescent lamp 16; a power supply 50 consisting of an a-c power circuit means 52, a d-c power source 60 and α power switch 66; and a protective lamp holder 102.

The Applicant's U.S. patent number 4,999,936 issued on 19 March 1991 covering an illuminated sign is incorporated herein by reference. This patent particularly discloses the design of the electroluminescent lamp 16.

The composite lamp structure 12 which is configured in five designs, is comprised of the base material 14 and the electroluminescent lamp 16. In all cases, the electroluminescent lamp 16 is connected to a power supply 50 via a cable assembly as described infra that when energized, causes the electroluminescent lamp 16 to luminesce.

The first design of the composite lamp structure 12 is shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. In this design, the electroluminescent lamp 16 is cut into α geometric shape and preferably a rectangular shape 18 as best shown in FIGURE 1. The base material 14 is also cut into a similar rectangular shape and is made of a transparent sheet 20 having a contrasting color from that of the electroluminescent lamp 16. The transparent sheet 20 serves as a stencil and has at least one cutout 22 that is cut into a stylistic shape and preferably, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 16, α plurality of cutouts. When the sheet 20 is placed over the electroluminβσent lamp 16, the luminescent light from the energized lamp 16 is seen through the stencil cutouts 22. Even when the lamp 16 is not energized, there is sufficient contrast between the base material 14 and the lamp so that the stylistic cutoutβ 22 can be seen.

The second design of the composite lamp structure 12 is shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. In this design, the electroluminescent lamp 16 is comprised of at least two Btylistic shapes 24. The shapes 24 are electrically interconnected in parallel by a pair of conducting wires 25 and are placed in a side-by-side configuration as shown in FIGURE 3. The base material 14, which is made of a contrasting color from that of the electroluminescent lamp 16, may σonsiβt of any type of material including the material of an article of wear. When the stylistic shapes of the lamp 16 are placed on the material 'β outer surface 26 as best shown in FIGURE 4, and the lamp luminesce, the stylistic shapes can be easily seen.

The third composite lamp structure 12 design is βhown in FIGURES 5 and 6. In this design, the base material 14 is also made in a contrasting color from that of the luminescent lamp 16 and includes a front side 28 and a rear side 30 as shown best in FIGURE 6. The front side 28 haB a pair of electrically conductive channels 32 that terminate on one end as shown in FIGURE 5, with a respective pair of power input connectors 34. These connectors are connected by means of α power cable 36 to the power supply 50. The rear side 30 of the base material 14 includes a means, such as a combination hook and loop fastener 38, for being attached to a sign mounting surface. Thiβ design utilizes t leaβt one electrolumineβσent lamp 16 having a front side 40 and a rear side 42. From the rear side 42 extends α pair of power electrodes 44 that are sized and spaced to be detachably attached and held within the respective pair of the electrically conductive channels 32 located on the base material 14 which is also sized to allow a plurality of lamps 16 to be attached to the electrically conductive channels 32.

The fourth composite lamp structure 12 design is illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8. This design utilizes at least two separate electroluminescent lamps 16 that are electrically interconnected in series by a pair of electrical wires 46 and are located in a side-by-side configuration as βhown in FIGURE 7. The base material 14, which functions as α reverse stencil, iβ made in a contrasting color from that of the lamp 16 and has an upper βurfaσe 48 upon which the lamps 16 are attached by an attachment means. Thiβ design is particularly conducive for utilizing an article of clothing as the base material 14.

The fifth and final composite lamp structure 12 design disclosed is shown in FIGURES 9 and 10. This is the simplest of all the designs and utilizes at least one electroluminescent lamp 16. The base material 14 in this case has a stylistic shape 24, is made in a contrasting color from that of the lamp 16, and iβ printed directly onto the surface of the lamp 16. The stylistic shape 24 may also consist of a deσal or the like that is attached directly to the βurface of the lamp 16. Thus, the lamp again functions as a reverse stencil that allows the stylistic images of the base material to be seen againβt the contrast of the lamp To operate the electroluminescent panel 16, a power supply is required that produces an output of between 100 and 200 volts at a frequency of between 60 and 1000 Hz. However, for optimum performanoe, the minimum frequency should be 200 Hz.

The power supply 50 that powers the electroluminescent panel 16 as shown in FIGURE 11, oonsiβtβ of an a-c power circuit meanβ 52, a d-c power βource 60, a βingle-pole single-throw power βwitch 66 and a power cable assembly 68.

The a-c power circuit means 52 has a d-c voltage input 54 that is supplied by the d-c power source 60 and an a-c voltage output 56 that is connected to at least one electroluminescent lamp 16 via the power cable assembly 68. Between the output 62 of the d-c power source 60 and the input 54 of the a-c power circuit meanβ 52 iβ connected in series, the power βwitσh 66. When the power switch iβ placed in the ON position, the a-c voltage from the output power circuit means 52 is applied to and causes the luminescent lamp(s) 16 to luminesce.

The a-c output power circuit meanβ 52 can consist of any combination of d-c to a-c converter that provides the required a-c voltage and frequency as specified supra, Two such power circuits as described, the firβt is an inverter 53 having an input that is connected to the d-c power source 60 and the output is connected via the power cable assembly 68 to the electroluminescent lamp. The details of the inverter are described in the applicant's patent 4,999,936.

The second power circuit means 52 as βhown in FIGURE 12 consists of a hybrid power circuit that comprises a solid-state oscillator 70 and an autotransformer 76. The oscillator 70 has a d-c input 72 that is connected to the d-c power βource 60, and an a-c output 74 that is selectively connected to the ID

winding 75 of the autotransformer 76. The autotranβformer 76 βteps up the a-c voltage to the required level which iβ then applied to at least one electroluminesoent lamp 16 via the power cable aββembly 68. Between the output 62 of the d-c power βource 60 and the input 72 of the solid-state oscillator 70 is connected in series, the power βwitch 66. When the power switch is placed in the ON position, the a-c voltage from the autotranβformer 76 is applied to and causes the luminescent lamps 16 to luminesce. In lieu of the solid-state oscillator 70, a transistor or an application βpecific integrated circuit (ASIC) can be used to drive the autotransformer 76.

The d-c power source 60 is preferably comprised of a 9-volt transistor battery 58 when portability of the sign is required. If portability is not a requirement, the d-c power βource 60 can be provided by a vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle 78 that is located in most vehicleβ and that iβ attached to a vehicle battery 80 as shown in FIGURE 13. To utilize the d-o power source 60, a power cable 84 is used that has a receptacle connector 82 on one end that plugs into the receptacle 78. The other end of the power cable 84 is connected directly to the lamps 16 as shown in FIGURE 13. In lieu of the power supply 50, the illuminated sign 10 in many cases can be operated directly from a 120-volt a-c utility power receptacle 90. In this instance, as βhown in FIGURE 14, a power cable aββembly 92 iβ utilized that haβ a first end 94 that terminates with an a-c power connector 96 that plugs into the receptacle 90; and a second end 98 that is connected to at least one electroluminescent lamp 16. Connected in series within the cable 92, between the first end 94 and the second end 98, may be included a double-pole, double-throw power switch 100. This switch, as shown in FIGURE 14, is uβed to control the application of the power to the electroluminescent lamps 16.

The composite lamp structure 12 iβ protected by houβing it within a protective lamp holder 102 as shown in FIGURES 16 and 17. The holder 102 preferably consiβtθ of a flexible front frame section 104, and a back solid section 120 as best shown in FIGURE 17. The front frame βeσtion 104 has an inward surface 106, an outward surface 108, an upper side 110, a lower βide 112, a left side 114 and . a right βide 116. To the inward surfaces 106 of the front frame section 104 is attached the outward edges 117 of a transparent sheet

118 by an attachment means that preferably consists of α βtitch 134.

The back frame section 120 as shown in FIGURE 17, has outside dimensions that are substantially the same as the outside dimensions of the front frame section

104 and includes an inward surface 122, an outward surface 124, an upper βide 126, a lower βide 126, a left βide 130, and a right βide 132. When the upper sides, lower sides and left sides of the reβpeαtive front frame section 104 and the back solid section 120 are attached by an attachment means such as a stitch

134, a sign opening 136 exists at the right sides

116,132 of the two sections 104,120. This opening 136 iβ sized to allow α composite lamp structure 12 as beet shown in FIGURE 17 to be inserted and contained therein with the electroluminescent lamp 16 of the composite lamp structure 12 juxtaposed against the inward surface

119 of the transparent sheet 118. The opening 136 includes a means for opening and closing which preferably consists of a combination hook and loop fasteners 138.

The outward surface 124 of the back solid section

120 also includes a means 139 for being attached to a sign mounting surface 200. This means can be by stitching 134 if the surface 200 is resilient or cloth such as on an article of clothing, by an adhesive, by a combination hook and loop faβtener 138, or by a double-stick tape. In some instances, it may be desirable to not use the protective lamp holder 102 and attach the composite lamp structure 12 directly onto a sign mounting surface. In this case, the attachment means 139 described above can be attached directly to the rear surface of the σompoβite lamp structure 12 which is then attached to the sign mounting surface 200. The double-stick tape is used primarily with narrow composite lamp structures 12 that do not require indicia, that is, the structures 12 is used only to produce light as shown in FIGURE 23.

In many applications, the improved illuminated sisn 10 utilizes a pouch 140 as shown in perspective in FIGURE 15. The pouch iβ sized to contain the 9-volt battery 58 and the a-c power circuit meanβ 52 βuch as the inverter 53 which are inserted into the pouch through an upper opening 142 located at one end or on top and which may be reβealable. The resealing is provided preferably by a combination hook and loop faβtener or a zipper may be used. As alβo βhown in FIGURE 15, an opening 144 located at each end of the pouσh, allows the electrical wiring from the battery 58 and the inverter 53 to be routed to the electroluminescent lamp 16 attached to a mounting surface 200 and to the power switch 66 which is also attached to the mounting surface at a convenient location. The pouch may. alβo include a pair of attachment βtraps 146. The straps 146, which include hook and loop fasteners 138, allow the pouch to be attached to a structure, βuch as a bicycle frame, to which the improved illuminated sign 10 is to be used. Alternatively, the top edge of the pouch (not shown) may be sewn directly to a soft surface such as on a hat. The a-c power circuit means 52, which is typically the inverter 53, and the 9-volt transistor battery 58 may be located separately as shown in the pouσh 140 of FIGURE 15 or they may be contained within a houβing 148 as βhown in FIGURES 18 and 19. The housing 146 consist of a front side 150 and a back βide 156. The front βide 150 has a bore 152 through which the wiring 154 from the battery 58 and the inverter input are routed to said power switch 66, the back side 156 has a bore 158 through which the wiring from the output of the inverter 53 is routed to the electroluminescent lamp 16. The housing alβo includes a left side 160 and a right side 162. Each of theβe sides have along their lower longitudinal edges, a longitudinal groove 164. The houβing 148 haβ an open bottom that is covered by a panel 168. The panel has longitudinal sides 170 that include along their edges an inward protrusion 172 as shown best in FIGURE 19. The protrusions are sized to elide along the respective longitudinal grooves 164 on the housing 146. The panel 166 allows the battery 56 to be removed and replaced as required.

The improved illuminated sign 10 is designed with sufficient flexibility to be used and attached to the surface of a myriad of sign mounting surfaces 180 which include flexible materials 182 and rigid structure 184. One use which has found commercial success is a cap 166 as βhown in FIGURE 20. The attachment of the sign 10 to the cap, which is typically made of a flexible material, utilizes the pouch 140 containing the battery 58 and inverter 53, and a composite lamp structure 16 that is contained within the protective lamp holder 102. In this attachment scheme, the back solid section 120 of the holder 102 is sewn directly to the front of the cap and the pouch 140 is attached by βewing the upper edge of the pouσh to the front inβide βeσtion of the cap as shown in FIGURE 20. The power switch 66 is routed and attached to the side of the cap by an adhesive at which position the switch can be easily turned ON or OFF. The wiring from the inverter to the composite lamp structure 12 is likewise routed and attached to a pair of electrodes on the electroluminescent lamp 16.

The embodiment that uses the protective lamp holder 102 in combination with the pouch 140 containing the battery 58 and inverter 53 can be used in various upper body and lower body garments and some rigid structures .

Typical upper body garments include but are not limited to the following: hats and caps as βhown in FIGURE 20, jackets, sweaters, life vests as shown in FIGURE 21 , back packs and luggage as shown in FIGURE 22.

Typiσal lower body garments include but are not limited to the following: jogging pants, fanny packs as shown in FIGURE 23. Typiσal rigid structures inσlude but are not limited to the following: store front signs and point of purchase displays as shown in FIGURE 24, boat slips as βhown in FIGURE 25 and stationary equipment βuch as file cabinets and machinery. The embodiment that uses double-stick tape 28 that attaches on one side to the back of the composite lamp structure 12 can be applied on the other side to various upper and body garments, various rigid structures, and to greeting cards. Typical upper body garments include but are not limited to the following: helmets as βhown in FIGURE 26, in some instances caps as shown in FIGURE 20, wet suits and gloves. Typical lower body garments include but are not limited to the following: skates, running shoes as shown in FIGURE 27, belts as shown in FIGURE 28 and in some instances back packs, luggage and the like as shown in FIGURE 22. Typical rigid structures include but are not limited to the following: animal restraints βuch as dog collars and leaches as shown in FIGURE 29, bicycle frames, bicycle seats as shown in FIGURE 30, vehicle road signs which would receive power by means of the vehicle cigarette lighter as shown in FIGURE 31, tents as shown in FIGURE 32, umbrellas and other implements as shown in FIGURE 33.

While the invention haβ been described in complete detail and pictorially shown in the aσcompanying drawings, it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifiσations and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An improved illuminated sign σomprising: a) a composite lamp structure σomprising: (1) α base material,

5 (2) at least one electroluminescent lamp that iβ placed on one βide of said base material , and b) a power supply that is connected to said at least one electroluminescent lamp,

^0 whereupon when power is applied, said at least one luminescent lamp lumineseβ.

2. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 1 wherein said composite lamp structure comprises: a) an electroluminescent lamp having a ^5 geometric shape, and b) a base material, made of a transparent sheet having a contrasting color from that of said electroluminesoent lamp and having at least one σutout in a stylistic shape,

20 where when said base material is placed over βaid electroluminescent lamp, the light from said electroluminescent panel is seen through said at least one σutout on said transparent sheet.

25 3. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 1 wherein said composite lamp structure comprises: a) an electroluminescent lamp that is comprised of at least two stylistic shapes that are electrically interconnected in

30 parallel by a pair of wires and are placed in a side-by-side configuration, b⁾ a base material made in a contrasting color from that of said electrolumineβσent lamp and having an outer surface upon which said at least two stylistic shaped lamps are

5 placed and seen against the contrasting background of said base material.

4. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 1 wherein said composite lamp structure comprises: a) a base material having a contrasting color from that of βaid electrolumineβσent lamp and having a front side and a rear Bide, with the front side having a pair of electrically conductive channels that terminate on one end of said base material

■_- with α respective pair of power-input connectors that connect by means of a power cable to said power supply and with the rear side having means for being attached to a sign mounting surface, and

2o b) at least one electroluminescent lamp comprising a front side and a rear side, where from the rear βide extends a pair of power electrodes that are sized and βpaσed to be detachably attached and held within

25 the reβpective pair of said electrically conductive channels loσated on βaid base material .

5. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 4 wherein said means for being attached to an article of

30 clothing comprises a set of hook and loop fasteners.

6. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 5 wherein said base material iβ sized to allow a plurality of electroluminescent lamps to be attached to the electrically conduσtive channels.

7. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 1 wherein said composite lamp structure σompriβeβ: a) at leaβt two βeparate eleσtrolumineβσent lamps that are electrically interconnected in series by a pair of electrical wires and are located in a side-by-side configuration, and b) a base material made in a contrasting color from that of said electroluminescent lamp and having an upper surface upon which said a least two electroluminescent lamps are attaσhed by an attachment means and Been against the contrasting background of said base material .

8. The illuminated βign as specified in claim 7 wherein said base material is comprised of an article of clothing in which case said at least two electroluminescent lamps are attached directly, by an attachment means, to the surface of the article of clothing.

9. The illuminated sign as specified in σlaim 1 wherein said composite lamp structure comprises: a) an electroluminesoent lamp having a distinctive shape, and b) a base material having a stylistic shape in a contrasting color from that of said electroluminescent lamp, and that is printed directly onto the surface of said electroluminescent lamp.

10. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 1 wherein βaid power supply comprises: a⁾ an a-c power σirσuit means having α d-c voltage input and an a-c voltage output, where the output is σonneσted to said at least one eleσtrolumineβσent lamp, b⁾ a d-c power βouroe that is applied to the input of said output power cirσuit, and σ) a single-pole single-throw power switch σonneσted in series between the output of said d-c power source and the input of βaid output power σirσuit means, whereupon when said switch is placed in an ON pσβitiσn, the a-c voltage from βaid output power circuit means is applied to said at least one luminescent lamp.

11. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 10 wherein said a-c power cirσuit means σomprises an inverter σircuit having an input and an output, where the input is connected to said d-c power source and the output is conneσted to said at least one electroluminescent lamp.

12. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 10 wherein said a-c output power σirσuit consists of a hybrid power σirσuit that comprises: a) a solid state oscillator having a d-c input and an α-σ output, where the input is connected to said d-c power βouroe, b) an autotransformer having an input and an output, where the input is σonnected to the output of said solid state oscillator and the autotransformer output is conneσted to said at least one electroluminescent lamp.

13. The illuminated sign as specified in σlaim 10 wherein βaid d-σ power source σompriβeβ a 9-volt transistor battery.

14. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 10 wherein said d-σ power sourσe iβ provided through a power σable having a power . connector that plugs into the cigarette lighter reαeptaσle loσated in vehiσleβ and attaσhed to a vehiσle battery.

15. The illuminated βign as specified in σlaim 1 wherein said power supply σomprises: a) an a-c utility power reσeptaσle, and b) a power σable assembly having a first end and a second end, where the first end terminates with an a-c power conneσtor that plugs into said a-c utility power receptacle and the second end is conneσted to at least one electroluminescent lamp.

16. The illuminated sign as specified in claim 15 wherein said power cable assembly further σomprises a power switσh loσated in series between the first end and the second end of said power σable assembly, where said βwitσh is used to control the application of power to said at least one electroluminesoent lamp.

17. An improved illuminated sign as specified in σlaim 1 further σompriβing a proteσtive lamp holder σomprising: a) a front frame seσtion having an inward surface, an outward surface, an upper side, a lower side, a left side and a right side, b) a transparent sheet having its outward edges attached to the inward surfaces of βaid front frame βection by an attachment means, c) α back solid section having an inward surface, an outward surface, an upper βide, a lower side, a left side and a right side, where when the upper sideβ, lower sides and the left sideβ of the respective front frame βection and the back solid βection are attaσhed by an attaσhment means a sign opening exists at the right βide of βaid sections where into the opening iβ inserted and contained therein βaid composite lamp structure with said electroluminesoent lamp juxtaposed against the inward βurfaoe of βaid transparent sheet, d) means for opening and closing said sign opening, and e) means for attaching the outward βurfaoe of βaid back solid section to a sign mounting surface.

18. The illuminated sign as specified in σlaim 1 further comprising a double-stick tape having one side attached to the back of said composite lamp structure and the other βide affixed to a sign mounting surface.

, The illuminated sign as specified in claim 13 further comprising a pouσh sized to σontain βaid 9-volt transistor battery and said output power circuit means, said pouoh further σompriβing: a) a reβealable opening on one side βized to allow the eleσtrical wiring from said

9-volt transistor battery and βaid output power cirαuit means to be routed to said electroluminescent lamp and said power switch, and b⁾ a pair of attachment straps having an attachment means that allows said straps to be attached to a βign mounting struσture.

20. The illuminated sign as specified in σlaim 1 further comprising: a⁾ a housing sized to contain said a-σ power σirσuit means and said 9-volt transistor battery, where said housing includes:

(1⁾ a front βide having a bore through which the wiring from said battery and the input to said inverter iβ routed to said power switch,

(2) a back side having a bore through which the wiring from the output of said inverter is routed to βaid electrolumineβσent lamp,

(3) a left and- a right side where each of the sideβ having along their lower longituidnal edges a longitudinal groove, and b) a panel having longitudinal sides that include along their edges an inward protrusion that are sized to slide along the longitudinal grooves on said housing, where said sliding panel allows said battery to be removed and replaced as required.

21. The sign as specified in claim 17 wherein said protective lamp holder is attaσhed by an attaσhment means to the surface of a cap.

22. The sign as specified in claim 17 wherein said proteσtive lamp holder is attaσhed by an αttaσhment means to the surfaσe of an upper body garment.

23. The sign as βpecified in σlaim 17 wherein βaid proteσtive lamp holder is attaσhed by an attaσhment means to the βurfaoe of a lower body garment.

24. The sign aβ specified in claim 17 wherein βaid proteσtive lamp holder iβ attaσhed by an attaσhment means to the surface of a resilient material.

25. The βign as βpecified in claim 17 wherein βaid proteσtive lamp holder is attaσhed by an attaσhment means to the surfaσe of a rigid struσture.

26. The sign as speσified in claim 17 wherein said composite lamp structure with double-stiσk tape is attached to the surface of an upper body garment.

27. The βign aβ βpecified in claim 18 wherein βaid composite lamp structure with double-βtiσk tape iβ attached to the surface of a lower body garment.

28. The sign as βpecified in σlαim 18 wherein βαid σomposite lamp structure with double-stick tape is attaσhed to the surfaσe of resilient material.

29. The sign as βpeσified in σlaim 18 wherein βaid σomposite lamp struσture with double-stiσk tape iβ attaσhed to the surfaσe of a rigid struσture.